April Platform Challenge: Day 4

I hope you're enjoying the challenge so far. If you found yesterday's task simple, today's should be even easier. However, it's an important piece of the online platform puzzle, especially with some of the future tasks you'll be asked to perform later this month.

Here's what I look like on
Twitter @robertleebrewer

For today's task, create a Twitter account. That's right. Go to http://www.twitter.com/ and sign up--if you're not already. This task will definitely take less than 5 minutes.

(Note: If you leave your Twitter handle in the comments below, I'll be sure to include you in a special Tweeps to Follow list related to the April Platform Challenge.)

As with Facebook, I won't be surprised to learn that most of the participants in this challenge already have a Twitter account. Whether you have an account or not, be sure to check out this Twitter Cheat Sheet for Writers. It's not anything ground-breaking, but it does cover some of the basics.

With Twitter, here are three important things to keep in mind:

• Make your profile bio relevant. You might want to use a version of that sentence you wrote for Day 1's task. Incorporate humor if possible (see mine for an example).
• Use an image of yourself. One thing about social media (and online networking) is that people love to connect with other people. So use an image of yourself--not of your pet, a cute comic strip, a new age image, flowers, robots, etc.
• Make your Twitter handle your byline--if possible. For instance, I am known as @RobertLeeBrewer on Twitter, because I use Robert Lee Brewer as my byline on articles, in interviews, at speaking events, on books, etc. Be as consistent with your byline as humanly possible.

Once you're in Twitter, try finding some worthwhile tweeps to follow. If you need suggestions, here are 101 Tweeps for Writers to Follow. It's a great starting place.

Also, be sure to make a Tweet or two. Need an idea for a Tweet? Why not link to each day's challenge?

Have fun Tweeting today!

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Need to play catch up on this challenge? Here's what we've done so far:

• April Platform Challenge: Day 1.
• April Platform Challenge: Day 2.
• April Platform Challenge: Day 3.

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Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Plus, sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

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Use Twitter to Boost Your Writing Income

This webinar, led by professional freelance writer Tim Beyers, shares the importance of participating and building a community you want to be involved with, how to meaningfully engage people and be a resource, how to land an assignment for a major publication by following editors on Twitter, and more.

Click to continue.

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Check out these other Not Bob posts for writers:

• How to Monetize a Blog: How to Blog and Make Money.
• How to Brand Yourself (and Take Over the World).
• 3 Tips on How to Get Published If You're a Writer.